Audi Q3 gets green light

Confirmation that all-new compact SUV will reach showrooms in 2011

It’s go for Audi’s baby SUV! The German firm has announced that it will put the Q3 into production in 2011, giving it a vital rival to MINI’s upcoming Crossman and the BMW X1.

Built at fellow VW Group firm SEAT’s Martorelli plant in Barcelona, Spain, Audi says that up to 100,000 Q3 models will be built every year from 2011 onwards. Audi expects the €300m investment in the facility will help safeguard 1,500 jobs. However, while the Q3 has been given the go ahead in Europe, a decision has yet to be made on whether it’ll be built in the US too.

Initially revealed in the form of the Cross Coupe Quattro concept at the 2007 Shanghai Motor Show, the showroom-ready version will look almost identical mixing cues from the show car with those of its big brother, the Q5.

It will be based around a chassis from VW’s Tiguan with a four-wheel drive version getting a development of that car’s Haldex clutch system, but badged as a Quattro, along with a front-wheel drive version too.
The engine range will include a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel with 138bhp or 168bhp plus a 2.0-litre TFSI turbocharged petrol from the Golf GTI with up to 207bhp. Transmissions will include a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox.

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